2016 Kia Cadenza Review
Price Range: $13,599 - $15,998





+76
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Strong V6
- upscale interior
- easy-to-use electronics interface
- generous standard features and warranty coverage.
Cons
- No fuel-efficient engine option is offered
- rear seats do not fold flat for additional cargo space
- no all-wheel drive option.
What’s new
A more affordable base trim level is now available. The midlevel Premium trim also gains a few more features, as do some option packages.
Edmunds says
The 2016 Kia Cadenza has everything you would expect in a modern full-size sedan, along with a few features that might surprise you.
For sale near Citrus Heights, CA
22 listings
- 132,918 miles
- Frame damage reported, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Cortes Motors (380 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Las Vegas, NV
2016 KIA CADENZA PREMIUM VIN: KNALN4D71G5209481 *V6, 3.3 Liter *Power doors *Backup camera * Premium sound * Bluetooth * Leather seats * Heated seats ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Issue reported
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: Yes
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNALN4D71G5209481
Stock: 209481
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 06-16-2025- $12,999fair price$209 above market
- 68,028 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, corporate fleet vehicle
- 19 City / 28 Hwy MPG
- Ariana Motors (385 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
Close
Located in Las Vegas, NV
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (19 City/28 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: KNALN4D77G5214314
Stock: U27107
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Vehicle overview
As with pretty much everything in life, we expect much more from large sedans today than we did just a few years ago. Nowadays, we demand features and a level of quality that would have been reserved previously for vehicles bearing a luxury badge. In the case of the 2016 Kia Cadenza, these expectations are handily met, making it a solid choice among other strong contenders.
Sweetening the deal for 2016 is a new base trim level that gives the Cadenza a more accessible price, while higher trims gain a few features, too. For the relatively affordable price, you get a strong V6 engine, a pleasant and quiet cabin, an easy-to-operate infotainment system, plenty of high-tech safety features and industry-leading warranty coverage.

The 2016 Cadenza adds a base trim that lowers the cost of entry to Kia's well-equipped large sedan.
Drawbacks are few and include rear seats that don't fold to offer additional cargo capacity and the lack of an all-wheel-drive model for colder climates. There are also no fuel-efficient engine choices if you're looking for something that delivers exceptional miles per gallon. As it stands, the Cadenza is rated slightly below the segment average in terms of fuel efficiency.
Among its chief competitors, the Edmunds "A"-rated Toyota Avalon is the standout for its added athleticism and earns high marks for comfort and interior quality. The 2016 Kia Cadenza just misses the coveted top grade, along with the Hyundai Azera on which it is based, but is in good company with the "B"-rated Chrysler 300. Also in this range, though to a slightly lesser degree, are the Chevrolet Impala and Volkswagen Passat sedans.
Performance & mpg
Powering all 2016 Kia Cadenzas is a 3.3-liter V6 that produces 293 horsepower and 255 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic with manual shift control sends power to the front wheels. In Edmunds testing, it accelerated to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, which is about average for the class.
The EPA estimates fuel economy at 22 mpg in combined driving (19 city/28 highway).We confirmed these figures with our long-term Cadenza test that averaged 21.9 mpg overall.
Safety
Standard safety features for all 2016 Cadenzas include antilock brakes, traction and stability control, a rearview camera, front and rear side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags and hill-hold assist. The Premium and Limited trims also receive rear parking sensors. Optional on the Premium, but standard on the Limited trim are a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts and a lane departure warning system. A surround-view camera system is also standard on the Limited trim.
In crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Cadenza was awarded the highest score of "Good" for moderate front overlap, side impact, roof strength and whiplash protection. In Edmunds testing, the Cadenza came to a stop from 60 mph in 128 feet, which is several feet longer than most sedans in this class.
Driving
The Kia Cadenza places very few demands on drivers, which is precisely what we expect from a large near-luxury sedan. Acceleration is smooth, even when selecting gears manually via the shift paddles. The brakes can be a bit abrupt initially, but they become predictable in a short time. Steering effort is appropriately light, though some drivers have reported a slight delay between quick inputs and the car's reaction.
The ride quality is pleasant overall, but some sharp impacts occasionally make their way into the cabin. Overall, however, the big 2016 Kia Cadenza meets our expectations for satisfying dynamics and luxury.

The 2016 Kia Cadenza's relaxed road manners and cavernous interior make it an ideal vehicle for road trips.
Interior
The Cadenza benefits from an elegantly simple design and excellent ergonomics. Materials quality exceeds expectations for the typical large sedan, though some switches and buttons fall short of what we'd consider high end. The Uvo infotainment system is particularly noteworthy for its ease of use and sharp graphics.
For the average-size adult, the cabin is adequately spacious, with well-shaped seats that are sufficiently padded for long-distance comfort. Further reducing fatigue is the lack of road and wind noise. Taller passengers may find comfort compromised by the reduced headroom from the panoramic sunroof, which is standard on Premium and Limited trims, and a lack of front seat thigh support.

The Cadenza's rear seat is spacious, offering an ample amount of legroom for stretching out.
The Cadenza's 15.9-cubic-foot trunk is just a bit smaller than its chief rivals, but the inability to fold the rear seats limits the transport of larger items. Interior storage is about average, with medium-size bins and door pockets for personal items.
2016 Kia Cadenza models
The 2016 Kia Cadenza is a large sedan that is offered in three trim levels: the new base Cadenza, Premium and Limited.
Standard features for the base Cadenza include 18-inch alloy wheels, auto-leveling headlights, foglights, heated mirrors, a rearview camera, keyless ignition and entry, cruise control, full power accessories, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, wood interior trim, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat (eight-way power-adjustable for the front passenger), heated front seats, an 8-inch touchscreen controller, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, Kia's Uvo voice command system, an eight-speaker Infinity audio system with CD player, satellite radio and USB/auxiliary audio input.
Stepping up to the Premium trim adds power-folding mirrors, rear parking sensors, puddle lamps, a panoramic sunroof, automatic wipers, paddle shifters and wood trim on the steering wheel and shift knob.

Most of the K900's materials have a very high-quality feel.
Available for the Premium trim is the Luxury Plus package that includes adaptive HID headlights, a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alerts, a 7-inch virtual gauge cluster display, a heated power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, a power rear sunshade, upgraded leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, driver seat memory functions with an extendable seat cushion, heated outboard rear seats and a first aid kit. To this, the Technology package can be added and gets you 19-inch wheels, adaptive cruise control, a lane departure warning system and an electronic parking brake.
At the top of the range, the Limited trim includes both the Luxury Plus and Technology packages, along with a surround-view camera system, a unique grille, LED foglights, LED interior lighting, additional wood and chrome trim accents and a USB charge port in the rear armrest.

Edmunds Tested: Electric Car Range and Consumption

2026 Kia Telluride: Everything We Know

2024 Kia EV9: A Year of Testing Cemented Its Award-Winning Status

2026 Kia EV4 First Drive Review: Tesla Defectors Look Here
Compare 2016 Kia Cadenza trim levels
Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$249/mo for Cadenza Base
Cadenza Base
vs
$222/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
4 out of 5 stars4/5Above Average
#4 out of 13 among Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$482/yr
vs. $474/yr
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
Frequency
0.86x/yr
vs. 0.97x/yr
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
Severity
14%
vs. 13.4%
for Average Fullsize Car
for Average Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Kia Cadenza Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Is it really a KIA?
5 out of 5 starsAl Bryda, 02/06/2016
2015 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I test drove the Cadillac CTS, the Lexus ES 350 and the Cadenza. Absolutely love my Cadenza. I've owned many new higher end GM and Toyota cars but have never enjoyed driving one as much as my Cadenza. Apparently I'm not alone with my feelings as I am seeing more and more KIAs on the road.
It is now 9 months later and I still love my Cadenza.
My only additional comment about my … Cadenza is that with the 19 wheels and a somewhat taut suspension, I feel that 18 inch wheels or higher profile tires would have been a better choice for more comfortable driving over some of the New England roads that are in disrepair.
Saved our lives!
5 out of 5 starsMichelle Milton, 03/07/2016
2015 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I loved my car & it saved my daughter and myself lives when we were Tboned at 60mph- we had minor injuries the curtain side airbags protected my daughter the car held up to such a hard impact I'm impressed- I will be replacing it with a 2016 Cadenza- so grateful for all its safety features and I will miss my black on black- great car!! And worth every dollar
Mostly Good
4 out of 5 starsAnon, 01/30/2016
2015 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I have about 2K miles on a 2015. The Car looks nice, drives well and has good acceleration. Pricing was good. However buyers should know a couple of things:
1. These cars depreciate pretty quickly. Do you own comparison. Suggest a lease
2. The handling is comfortable but not sporty
My one disappointment has been the built in GPS which simply consistently make VERY strange … routing systems. The system allows you to pre-program selections such as "avoid tolls" but it has just been horrible. I am disappointed that i use Google on my smart phone for navigation although its not a huge deal.
Positives are the roof (cool), the look (nice...looks a lot like a Lexus) , the acceleration is good, comfort is good. Very spacious.
No comparison!
5 out of 5 starsSA, 11/29/2015
2015 Kia Cadenza Premium 4dr Sedan (3.3L 6cyl 6A)
I love cars. I love cars that are considered underdogs. I love cars that you don't see everyone driving. I love knowing that I have made a great deal and my car is worth every penny I spent. The cadenza is just that. An underdog that is better than its competition. No comparison. The impala, 300, Taurus etc. I owned two of the three competitors. Not that they are bad cars or … alternatives. They just are not the best. I drove the Toyota Avalon, bmw, Acura, and Lexus. For the price range the cadenza blows them away. Not to mention the styling and standard features! Kia comes with the 5 year warranty and 10 year powertrain and a specific premium service for it cadenza owners. I love that there isn't one every time I turn the corner. As a matter of fact KIA should be paying me to advertise. Lol. Every where I go people are always wondering what the car is and when I tell them a KiA they are instantly intrigued and ask me questions. its a beautiful car, quiet, handling, safety, and standard luxury features. Kia is in the rise and its quality is great. No recalls. No repairs. No issues!! I haughty recommend. They have hit this one out of the park. From what I hear from other Kia owners, it is the norm to have high quality and no recalls. They have made it into the luxury market and are moving forward quickly. I hear the K900 is also beautiful and hard to compete with, you won't be disappointed. Give Kia a try. You'll be impressed to say the least. Trust me.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2016 Kia Cadenza, so we've included reviews for other years of the Cadenza since its last redesign.
2016 Cadenza Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $32,990 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $249/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 5 years / 60,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Cadenza include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestGood
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
Related Used 2016 Kia Cadenza info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Porsche Panamera 2020 Review
- Mini Convertible 2020 Review
- Chevrolet Spark 2020 Review
- Hyundai Veloster 2020 Review
- Land Rover Range Rover 2020 Review
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Kia Amanti 2014
- Used Kia Amanti 2015
- Used Kia Amanti 2016
- Used Kia Amanti 2017
- Used Kia Amanti 2018
- Used Kia Amanti 2019
- Used Kia Cadenza 2020
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2026 Buick Enclave News
- 2025 CR-V e:FCEV
- 2025 Porsche 911
- 2025 BMW M5
- New Chevrolet C/K 1500 Series
- 2024 Grand Cherokee 4xe
- Ford Fusion Used Car
- New Nissan Truck
- 2026 Nissan Frontier News
- 2026 GMC Canyon News
Research other models of Kia
- 2026 Carnival
- 2024 Kia Niro Plug-In Hybrid
- 2024 Sportage Hybrid
- 2024 Kia Sportage Plug-In Hybrid
- 2024 Kia EV6
- 2024 Kia Sorento Hybrid
- Kia Carnival Hybrid 2026
- Kia Sorento Plug-In Hybrid 2024
- 2025 Kia EV6
- Kia EV6 2024
Research similar vehicles
Other models
- Used Mclaren Senna in Hudson, NH 2019
- Used Polestar 3 in Canyon Country, CA 2025
- Used Dodge Challenger in Lewis Center, OH 2023
- Used Volkswagen Golf-R in Hilliard, OH 2025
- New Audi RS-Q8 for Sale in Woodland Hills, CA
- New Subaru Crosstrek for Sale in Nanuet, NY
- Used Toyota Corolla in Wakefield, MA 2025
- Used Mercedes-Benz Maybach-Eqs-Suv in Herriman, UT 2025
- Used Rolls-Royce Dawn in Wilkesboro, NC 2021
- Used GMC Hummer-Ev-Suv in Decatur, AL 2025